Thinking about including your furry friend in your family photos? Fur babies are a beloved part of the family, and having them in your family photos can make your memory even more meaningful. However, there are a few important things to consider to ensure a smooth and stress-free photosoot for the whole family.
1. Choosing a Pet-Friendly Photoshoot Location
Not all locations are ideal or even legal for dogs to be photographed. When deciding if bringing your dog to your family photoshoot a little planning is necessary, consider:
- Outdoor parks with open space, shade, and minimal distractions.
- Beaches (if pet-friendly) for a fun and relaxed setting sometimes a sunrise beach photoshoot is a perfect choice.
- Your backyard or home, where your dog feels most comfortable could be an option.
2. Consider Your Dog’s Mannerisms and Energy Level
- Your backyard or home, where your dog feels most comfortable.
- Does my dog follow basic commands? Sit, stay, and come are necessary during a shoot.
- Is my dog easily distracted or overly excited? If so, a quieter location may be needed.
- How does my dog react to strangers or new environments? If they’re nervous, they might need extra time to settle in or stay home for their stress level.
Every dog has a unique personality, and their behavior will affect how your photosoot goes and it is always possible a photoshoot might not be an experience your dog will enjoy. Ask yourself:
A few tricks to keep your dog engaged during the photoshoot: bring their favorite yummy treats, a favorite toy, or let them exercise beforehand to burn off excess energy can help get the perfect family photo.
3. Bring a Friend or Family Member to Help
While your pup may be in some of the photos, there will be moments when they need to step aside. We highly recommend bringing someone who isn’t in the photos to help:
- They can hold the leash while we take pictures of just the family.
- They can help get your dog’s attention for the perfect shot.
- They can take the dog for a short walk if they get restless.
This keeps the photoshoot moving smoothly with fewer distractions.
Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free Family Photoshoot with your Dog
- Bring a leash and waste bags. Even well-trained dogs need to stay under control in a new environment.
- Groom your dog beforehand. A quick brush, bath or trip to the groomer can make a big difference. Even your fur baby wants to look their best for family photos.
- Coordinate their look. A cute bandana, bowtie, or neutral-colored collar can make them picture-perfect and the star of the family photo gallery.
- Stay relaxed! Dogs pick up on energy, so a calm, fun atmosphere leads to better photos.
Ready to Book Your Family & Dog Photoshoot?
We love photographing families with their pets! If you’d like to include your dog in your photoshoot, let’s plan together to make it a great experience. Contact us today to book your family photography session from Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and surrounding areas.
